The Benefits of Working with a Personal Trainer

By Lindsey Sharp

Staying active is a key component of overall wellness–and working alongside a personal trainer may help maximize your active time and encourage you to make it a priority.

We talked with two personal trainers, Lauren Caggiano, owner of New Heights Fitness, and Audrey Andersen, owner of King’s Fitness and Nutrition, along with a personal training client, Christie Sprunger, to see how each viewed working with a personal trainer. Here’s how it went:

Q: Why should someone hire a personal trainer rather than trying it on their own?

A: “There are so many benefits to using a trainer!” Andersen said. “You have accountability: someone always checking your form and correcting you when needed. And when working with a trainer, you’re more likely to meet other members in the gym who are on the same journey as you, which is great for building community.”

“I had clients that learned … a more personal purpose as to why they’re working out, and they’ve gone on to do their own self accountability,” Andersen said. “Which is a beautiful thing! Personal trainers are amazing, and the benefits are great, but learning self-discipline and willpower will go far beyond.”

Q: So someone decides they want to hire a personal trainer–how do they find one who’s the right fit?

A: “The website acefitness.org has a directory of certified personal trainers,” Caggiano said. “Ask them about their certification and their

Lauren Caggiano

niche(s) some trainers pursue continuing education in other areas. “Interview your trainer as if it’s a job you’re hiring for,” Andersen said. “If you don’t get all warm and fuzzy or see that they’re invested in you personally, move on! It’s about you this time. Do it for yourself because you’re absolutely worth the work.”

“A friend of mine used my trainer, Tracy Yost, and recommended her to me,” Sprunger said. “I wanted someone to meet me where I was, who cared about my particular goals, and who was the right mix of flexible and empathetic while still giving me the push I needed.”

Q: Is hiring a personal trainer worth the money?

A: “Yes, it was worth it for me during that season of my life,” Sprunger said. “I think people are experts in their fields for a reason, and [my trainer] taught me a lot and helped me gain confidence. Additionally, she was able to show me correct form and ensure I didn’t injure myself while learning how to train.”

“It all comes down to realizing you’re worth the work,” Andersen said. “Having someone to hold you accountable is the absolute best way to get started–especially if there is a large buy-in via money and time commitments.”

Q: Any tips on making personal wellness and training a priority?

A: “This is tough for me, especially with two young kids,” Sprunger said. “That was part of the draw of a personal trainer: when I had sessions scheduled with her, it served as accountability for me to show up and do the work.”

“Schedule it just like you would a meeting with your boss,” Caggiano said. “If it’s important, you’ll make time.”

“If you’re doing this for someone else, you’re not going to be successful for the long term,” Andersen said. “Understanding how you got to where you are and working with a trained professional in and out of the gym is the way to get lasting results. Make yourself the priority and learn how to make it a habit, not a chore.”

Q: What’s the best advice you have for someone beginning their personal training journey?

A: “I learned so much from [my trainer],” Sprunger said. “Consistency and discipline are most important when it comes to training–she taught me that you aren’t going to see changes overnight, but if you keep showing up, you’ll see them over time. I came in as a beginner to get fit for my wedding, and before the big day, I was literally flipping tires! She helped me feel so strong and confident.”

“My own story drives my motivation. I was obese, sedentary, and at risk for developing preventable diseases,” Caggiano said. “Through diet and lifestyle modifications, I lost 50 pounds and gained confidence and the desire to help others do the same. I always recommend slow but steady. Lifting too much too soon is a recipe for injury and may cause reluctance to stay the course.”

The bottom line is, whatever route you feel is best for your physical fitness journey is what’s best for you. However, partnering with a personal trainer can increase accountability, maximize your efficiency in your training, and offer enhanced guidance on what’s best for you and your body. a